Ready for Phase IV...Here we go!

If you think of Phase III, the Assessment Phase, as the way in which we activate the brain for processing, then it makes good sense to go DIRECTLY into Phase IV, desensitization and reprocessing, upon completion of Phase III. Sounds really simple, I know. But we have been surprised by how many EMDR clinicians do NOT do that, but instead, will complete Phase III and then slow down or even terminate a session, before moving on to Phase IV.

Let’s use our EMDR-favorite train analogy. If in Phase III we are revving up the engine [brain;neural networks] to start, we then want that "engine" to take off and go on its journey, right then and there.

At the end of Phase III, say to your client:

"Now, focus on the worst part/image, along with the NC I am-------, along with where you feel it in your body. When you have those three things together, and you are ready to start, let me know!"

Then, start Phase IV!